PHI302: Social and Political Philosophy
Key details
| Accredited towards | Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts |
| Unit type | Elective unit |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Indicative contact hours | 3 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Offered in | Semester 2 |
| Tuition fee | Learn more |
Overview
This unit introduces students to some of the fundamental concepts, approaches and debates in political philosophy. Topics to be covered include social contract theory, human rights, majoritarianism, natural law, the different kinds of political regime, economic justice, the nature of authority and the role of religion in politics. We will read selections from ancient, medieval and modern authors. An overarching theme of the unit will be the striking contrast between the individualist, rights-oriented approach to politics characteristic of modern political philosophers from Hobbes onwards and the virtue-oriented approach characteristic of premodern political philosophy.
Learning outcomes
The unit learning outcomes develop in students an awareness of the value and relevance of the study strand. On completion of this unit of study, students will have acquired:
- an understanding of the key concepts and distinctions in political philosophy, including: state, state of nature, social contract, sovereignty, natural law, natural rights, freedom, etc.
- an understanding of the nature of and interrelationships between, the political theories of Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Locke, and others.
Interested in other Philosophy units?
| PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy |
| PHI102 | Metaphysics |
| PHI202 | Moral Philosophy |
| PHI204 | Political Philosophy |
| PHI301 | Modern Philosophy |
| PHI302 | Social and Political Philosophy |
| PHI303 | Philosophy of Language |
| PHI304 | Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy |
| PHI305 | Intensive Study of a Text in Classical Philosophy |
| PHI306 | Intensive Study of a Text in Modern Philosophy |